Need help with buying 2009 A4 100k+ miles

[absolutarin]

Hi B8 Neighbors! :)

I'm switching jobs and I want a daily driver. I don't really plan to invest too much on it since it'll be part highway part city driving (~20 miles one way). So I was browsing around for a reasonably cheaper solution and came across a 2009 A4 with a little over 100k miles on it.
Since you guys are more knowledgeable with the 2009+ A4 models, it'd be wise to consult you before buying. I'd also hate to land up in a situation where I pay unreasonably more out of my pocket just to keep the car running with its maintenance cycle.

Now, the car:
Make: Audi
Year: 2009
Model: A4
Trim: Premium Plus
Miles: 101,648

So what are the things I must be looking into or regular services which I must be aware before I make a move into buying it. What all problems have you seen in a car with these many miles and what to expect? Is it a good call to jump the gun on the 2009 A4 with so many miles? OR, would you suggest looking into CPO Lexus

Thank you in advance!

[Greg Nelson]

First couple years (2009-2010) of B8 2.0T had oil consumption issues - does seller have records of fix, if any?
As a 2009 3.2 owner I'd suggest looking for one - never had this issue afaik
Good luck searching.
Cheers

[CoyneJ]

Yea i bought on without knowing now I'm gonna have to do it myself. B8 is a great car but you wanna get one that is 2011+ to avoid most of the complications

[CoyneJ]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=681660

[b6onboost]

An 09 A4 with 100k is a huge roll of the dice, especially if you need a reliable commuter. The 09 is the first model year with a higher rate of problems. At 100k a lot of OE parts are nearing end of life so it will likely be heavy on maintenance from the start. Last thing you want in a commuter is something that may break down or need constant maintenance. It'd be a lot less risky if you bought a used Acura/Infiniti/Lexus as a 'nice' reliable commuter.

But also consider the overall cost of a 2nd car vs. just daily driving the S4. Buying another car, maintaining it, registering it, insuring it, can easily cost more, or come close, to the depreciation hit from racking up miles on the S4. And if the cost is anywhere close, it'd be much more enjoyable to use the S4 everyday.

[Jacon]

I have an 09 with 110K miles that only consumes 1qt every 2500 miles. Oil Consumption hasn't been performed on my car and it's been chipped since Day1. Here's my list of items to look for:

Door locks
Intake plenum (many were replaced under warranty)
Motor mounts (check for leaking fluid)
Clutch (if manual)
Coil Packs (upgraded mine to the R8 packs several years ago)
PCV update
Rear main seal leaks
timing chain tensioner (get this done ASAP if not done prior)
water pump

Mine still runs like it did when I drove it off the lot.

[absolutarin]

Wow! It does seem like a very tricky situation with buying the 2009 A4 model. In the meanwhile, I asked the dealership for providing me the service records - waiting on that. And thank you for your input, gentlemen! The more I read about the issues, the more discouraged I get about buying an older model.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=681660

And thanks a ton for the comparison link, CoyneJ, it helped me a lot. Don't know how I missed this sticky

An 09 A4 with 100k is a huge roll of the dice, especially if you need a reliable commuter. The 09 is the first model year with a higher rate of problems. At 100k a lot of OE parts are nearing end of life so it will likely be heavy on maintenance from the start. Last thing you want in a commuter is something that may break down or need constant maintenance. It'd be a lot less risky if you bought a used Acura/Infiniti/Lexus as a 'nice' reliable commuter.

But also consider the overall cost of a 2nd car vs. just daily driving the S4. Buying another car, maintaining it, registering it, insuring it, can easily cost more, or come close, to the depreciation hit from racking up miles on the S4. And if the cost is anywhere close, it'd be much more enjoyable to use the S4 everyday.

You are right about the costs incurred on a second car - I was not looking to put more miles on the S4 but I guess I have to reconsider the option considering "peace of mind" with the repairs (in case that happens). Strangely enough, my S4 has become really good on gas - averages around 21/30 on city/highway. Worst case: I would continue to use the S4 for commute - see the trend for a month and then make a decision.

Cheers!

[Jacon]

Strangely enough, my S4 has become really good on gas - averages around 21/30 on city/highway. Worst case: I would continue to use the S4 for commute - see the trend for a month and then make a decision.

The A4 will only be slightly better if you leave it stock. If you chip it, you'll get the same MPG as your S4.

[absolutarin]

It's been a month commuting to my new office and I don't think I'll buy another car. The fun driving factor is way too hard to give up

Oh by the way, this is the approximate mpg I get from my commute...sometimes a bit less. I have nothing to complain :)



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[AutoRacer100]

The A4 will only be slightly better if you leave it stock. If you chip it, you'll get the same MPG as your S4.

I only get 16 MPG local street driving. Lots stop and go traffic.